Since relocating from Tremont to Downtown in July, Rocco Whalen’s restaurant in the heart of Public Square has (re-)established itself as the sexy, chic spot to impress a date, land a client, celebrate a major life event or just treat yo’self. With rooftop season here, Whalen is dreaming up ways to one-up himself. Here are three must-try dishes at the restaurant. 55 Public Square, Cleveland, chefroccowhalen.com
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1. Seafood towers ($60-$160). Lavish displays of fresh bounty like oysters, crab legs and Maine lobster tails are accentuated by citrus mignonette, horseradish remoulade or chimichurri. “Sauces are a really big deal to me,” he says, “and there just are so many layers to her flavors.”
2. Cotton candy tree ($22). Experience grown-up nostalgia with this fancy fluff served upright, offered in seasonal flavors and surrounded by chocolate truffles. “Everybody reminisces about a time they had cotton candy at the circus or a ballgame,” Whalen says.
3. Smashing dan dan dumplings ($20). Delicate, hand-pinched dumplings are stuffed with gingery ground pork, trumpet mushrooms and hints of star anise or Sichuan peppercorns. They sell dozens upon dozens. “We just roll up our sleeves, a la carte, and get hands-on,” Whalen says.
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